Advance in rural road funding

LISMORE City Council on Tuesday night voted to request the Roads and Maritime Services (formerly the Roads and Traffic Authority) to bring forward funding for the repair of Lismore's local roads.

Cr David Yarnall said the RMS had allocated 50% of the funding for sections of Council's regional roads for the coming year and beyond, but it was allocated in portions over several years and some roads - in particular at Dunoon, Wyrallah and Blue Knob - were in urgent need of immediate repair.

He said it would be better if some of the funding could be brought forward so the roads could be repaired quickly, at today's prices.

"Considering the rising costs of construction and current maintenance costs outweigh borrowing costs, Council could actually save some money while providing safer roads for road users," he said.

All councillors except Cr Peter Graham voted to ask RMS to bring forward funding of $250,000. Council would match the funding with $265,000 from its own budget.